Senior Comms & Engagement Manager: Research Systems Programme

at  Health Research Authority

Are you strategic and creative, persuasive and professional ? We’re recruiting a senior manager to own communications and engagement for the HRA’s flagship digital improvement work, the research systems programme.
Every year thousands of applications to do health and social care research in the UK are made using our system s . We’re making them fit for the future, and we need you to help us.
You’ll produce high quality, on brand communications and engagement, and provide visible leadership for strategic communications and engagement within the programme. You’ll lead on the definition, design and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans and behaviour change campaigns.
​ You’ll manage engagement with our existing networks, as well as proactively engaging with key stakeholders and those who aren’t currently involved . You’ll work closely with our programme partners, with suitable political sensitivity , as well as respond ing to enquiries about the programme and the change it will bring.
The postholder is responsible for the Research Systems Programme (RSP) Communications and ​Engagement Strategy, and all comms and engagement within the programme ​including:
​Creative, strategic, targeted communications and engagement, aligned with the HRA’s corporate tone and channels.
​Producing communications and engagement plans using a range of communications techniques and approaches.
​Supporting the CBTO and senior colleagues by being an active member of the programme’s leadership.
​​Leading, monitoring and looking to continuously improve stakeholder relationships with the RSP.
​Developing strong relationships with key external communications contacts and partners, including equivalents in stakeholder organisations, to help deliver the work of the HRA.
​Evaluating the impact of communications and engagement, measuring and reporting on KPIs, sentiment and coverage to the programme and wider organisation, in line with Government Communication Service best practice.
​​Providing reputation management advice to the programme’s senior managers, wider colleagues and decision-making bodies.
​Ensuring communications and engagement activity supports the HRA brand and values.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that help us to deliver the best services.

We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. This includes:

• age
• disability
• ethnicity
• gender identity and expression
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation
• other diverse characteristics

We have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for you, we’ll do our best to make it work for us.
This role sits within the Policy and Partnerships directorate which is made up of three teams: policy and engagement, communications and public involvement. We provide support and advice across the organisation on communicating with staff and external audiences, engaging with stakeholders and involving patients and the public in our work.
To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached.
In submitting your application with us, please note the following:
We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.
We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.
Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.
The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications

Please refer the Job description for details